I've sat through a few sessions of Vipassana meditation (I've done three 10-day retreats)...
Vipassana is excellent in developing detachment from physical discomfort... yes, it still hurts like a SOB, but you aren't as ANGRY about the pain. It isn't about sitting cross-legged for hours.. though, it is about observing and accepting one's current state, without trying to change that state - most people do attain this by sitting, others might find that sweet spot walking, standing, sitting in a chair (how I did most of my time at the retreats), or lying down.
As a student of Vipassana, I find that when I'm stoned, I tend to enter that same feeling of detachment... I know I have some physical symptoms (like a hot flash, for instance), but I'm just sort of looking at it, not being emotionally wrapped up in it.
All forms of meditation are good, but I think Vipassana is targeted best for dealing with chronic pain.